Upper Wrist and Forearm Protector and Hand Grip Apparatus

ABSTRACT

Wrist protection apparatus for protecting a user&#39;s upper wrist and upper forearm and further including a hand grip module and a protective element embedded in the wrist protection apparatus upper section.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to wrist and forearm protector and forearm apparatus and systems, and more particularly, to wrist and forearm protector with hand grip apparatus and systems.

2. Description of Related Art

It may be desirable to protect the upper wrist and forearm of a user during various physical activities. The present invention provides such an apparatus and system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a simplified side view diagram of an upper wrist and forearm protector and hand grip apparatus (UWPHG) architecture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a simplified top view diagram of an UWPHG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a simplified bottom view diagram of an UWPHG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1D is a simplified side view diagram of an UWPHG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1E is a simplified cross-sectional diagram of an UWPHG taken across AA shown in FIG. 1C in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1F is another simplified cross-sectional diagram of an UWPHG taken across AA shown in FIG. 1C in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a simplified side view diagram of an upper wrist and forearm protector and hand grip apparatus (UWPHG) architecture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a simplified top view diagram of an UWPHG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a simplified bottom view diagram of an UWPHG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2D is a simplified side view diagram of an UWPHG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2E is a simplified cross-sectional diagram of an UWPHG taken across AA shown in FIG. 2C in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2F is another simplified cross-sectional diagram of an UWPHG taken across AA shown in FIG. 2C in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified side view diagram of an upper wrist and forearm protector apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a simplified front diagram of equipment that user wearing a UWPHG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may manipulate while limiting upper wrist from injury.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout this description, embodiments and variations are described for the purpose of illustrating uses and implementations of the invention. The illustrative description should be understood as presenting examples of the invention, rather than as limiting the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a simplified side view diagram of a wrist and forearm protector and hand grip apparatus (UWPHG) architecture 300A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In architecture 300A, a combination upper wrist and forearm protector and hand grip apparatus (UWPHG) 100A may be worn on or coupled to a user's hand 310 as shown in FIG. 1A. The UWPHG 100A may include a wrist and forearm protector module or section 120A and hand grip or protector module or section 140A. One or more fingers 322 of a user's hand 310 may securely engage UWPHG 100A hand grip section 140A from above via one or more finger slots (142A, 142B as shown in FIG. 1B). In an embodiment a section (127A or 128A of FIGS. 1E, 1F in one embodiment) of the wrist and forearm protector module 120A may be elastic so a user may elastically deform (or enlarge) the wrist and forearm protector module 120A to slide the module 120A over the user's hand 310 so the wrist and forearm protector module 120A rests on the user's wrist and forearm 312, in particular the user's upper wrist and forearm 313 in an embodiment.

In an embodiment one or more protective elements 126A (shown in FIGS. 1E, 1F) may be located on the wrist and forearm protector module 120A upper section 124A. The protective element 126A may protect a user's upper wrist and forearm 313 when the UWPHG 100A is worn as shown in FIG. 1A. In another embodiment a protective element 126A may be located at a lower section 125A of the wrist and forearm protector module 120A. In such an embodiment the WPHG 100A may protect a user's lower wrist 314. In a further embodiment, a protective element 126A may be located at a wrist and forearm protector module 120A lower section 125A and upper section 124A. In such an embodiment the WPHG 100A may protect a user's lower wrist 314 and upper wrist and forearm 313 when worn as shown in FIG. 1A. For sake of efficiency embodiments including a protective element 126A located in the wrist and forearm protector module 120A upper section 124A are shown in the FIGURES of the application although as noted a protective element 126A may be located in any combination of the lower and upper sections 124A, 125A (of the wrist and forearm protector module 120A). It is further noted that the hand grip section 140A may extend to the user's lower wrist 314 region to effectively provide protection for same.

In an embodiment the wrist and forearm protector module 120A may be comprised of a variety of natural and man-made materials including cotton, corn, bamboo, leather, and extruded materials from various polymers. The elastic section(s) (127A, 128A in an embodiment) may be similarly comprised of a variety of natural and man-made materials including rubber and extruded materials from various polymers including spandex, lycra, and other stretchable materials. The hand grip section 140A may also be comprised of a combination of elastic, inelastic and partially elastic materials. The finger slots 142A, 142B may be comprised of substantially elastic materials similar to those used in regions 127A, 127B. The hand grip module 140A materials may be selected to enable a user to grip different shaped and sized items including exercise equipment such as barbells and a kettlebell 200 grip 220 shown in FIG. 4.

During various exercise or manipulations of items, a user's upper wrist region may be impacted. For example as a kettlebell is manipulated, the kettlebell's 200 offset weight 210 (from the grip 220) may create centrifugal force or torque that may cause the weight section 210 to impact a user's upper wrist and forearm 313 or upper forearm region (as a function of the manipulation). The UWPHG 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and 100E (described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 3), may protect a user's upper wrist and forearm 313 or upper forearm region as a user manipulates a kettlebell 200 or other items according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1B is a simplified top view diagram, FIG. 1C is a simplified bottom view diagram, and FIG. 1D is a simplified side view diagram of an UWPHG 100A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1E is a simplified cross-sectional diagram of an UWPHG 100A and FIG. 1F is another simplified cross-sectional diagram of an UWPHG 100C taken across AA shown in FIG. 1C in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, the wrist and forearm protector module may include a passage 122A, encased protective element 126A, lower section 125A, upper section 124A, first elastic section 127A, and second elastic section 128A. As shown in FIGS. 1E, 1F, the protective element 126A may span over a large section of the wrist and forearm protector module 120A upper section 124A. In an embodiment the protective element 126A may be comprised a rigid, semi-rigid, or force absorbing material including plastics, alloys, and metals. In an embodiment the wrist and forearm protector module 120A upper section 124A may include a slot so the protective element 126A may be removed therefrom. In an embodiment the overall length of the UWPHG 100A may be about 5 to 12 inches and the wrist and forearm protector module 120A may be about 2 to 4 inches in length. In an embodiment the protective element may have a width from about 1 to 3 inches. As shown in FIG. 1E and FIG. 1F the hand grip module 140A may be embedded with the wrist and forearm protector module 120A, within the passage 122A at the lower section 125B (FIG. 2F), and outside the lower section 125A.

FIG. 2A is a simplified side view diagram of a wrist and forearm protector and hand grip apparatus (UWPHG) architecture 300B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In architecture 300B, a combination upper wrist and forearm protector and hand grip apparatus (UWPHG) 100B may be worn on or coupled to a user's hand 310 as shown in FIG. 2A. The UWPHG 100B may include a wrist and forearm protector module or section 120B and hand grip or protector module or section 140B. One or more fingers 322 of a user's hand 310 may securely engage UWPHG 100B hand grip section 140B from above via one or more finger slots (142A, 142B as shown in FIG. 2B). In an embodiment a section (127B or 128B of FIGS. 1E, 1F in one embodiment) of the wrist and forearm protector module 120B may be elastic so a user may elastically deform (or enlarge) the wrist and forearm protector module 120B to slide the module 120B over the user's hand 310 so the wrist and forearm protector module 120B rests on the user's wrist and forearm 312, in particular the user's upper wrist and forearm 313 in an embodiment.

In an embodiment the wrist and forearm protector module 120B may include a buckle 135B where a belt 132B may extend through the buckle and enable compression (diameter reduction) of the module 120B (shown in FIGS. 2E, 2F). An end portion of the belt 132B underside may include VELCO 133B and a portion of the module 120B lower section 125B may include corresponding mating VELCO 134B. The VELCO pair 133B, 134B may enable a user to securely engage the belt 133B to the module 120B so a desired tension or diameter (of the module 120B) is achieved. In an embodiment the wrist and forearm protector module 120B may include a closeable pocket 128B that may house one or more protective elements 126B.

In an embodiment the closeable pocket 128C may be located on the wrist and forearm protector module 120B upper section 124B. The closeable pocket 128C may protect a user's upper wrist and forearm 313 when the UWPHG 100B, 100D is worn as shown in FIG. 2A. In another embodiment a closeable pocket 128C may be located at a lower section 125B of the wrist and forearm protector module 120B. In such an embodiment the UWPHG 100B may protect a user's lower wrist 314. In a further embodiment, a closeable pocket 128C may be located at a wrist and forearm protector module 120B lower section 125B and upper section 124B. In such an embodiment the UWPHG 100B may protect a user's lower wrist 314 and upper wrist and forearm 313 when worn as shown in FIG. 2A. For sake of efficiency embodiments including a closeable pocket 128C located in the wrist and forearm protector module 120B upper section 124B are shown in FIGS. 2A to 3 of the application although as noted a closeable pocket 128C may be located in any combination of the lower and upper sections 124B, 125B (of the wrist and forearm protector module 120B). It is further noted that the hand grip section 140B may extend to the user's lower wrist 314 region to effectively provide protection for same.

In an embodiment the wrist and forearm protector module 120B may be comprised of a variety of natural and man-made materials including cotton, corn, bamboo, leather, and extruded materials from various polymers. The elastic section(s) (127B, 128B in an embodiment) may be similarly comprised of a variety of natural and man-made materials including rubber and extruded materials from various polymers including spandex, lycra, and other stretchable materials. The hand grip section 140B may also be comprised of a combination of elastic, inelastic and partially elastic materials. The finger slots 142A, 142B may be comprised of substantially elastic materials similar to those used in regions 127A, 127B. The hand grip module 140B materials may be selected to enable a user to grip different shaped and sized items including exercise equipment such as barbells and a kettlebell 200 grip 220 shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 2B is a simplified top view diagram, FIG. 2C is a simplified bottom view diagram, and FIG. 2D is a simplified side view diagram of an UWPHG 100B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2E is a simplified cross-sectional diagram of an UWPHG 100B and FIG. 2F is another simplified cross-sectional diagram of an UWPHG 100D taken across AA shown in FIG. 2C in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, the wrist and forearm protector module may include a passage 122B, pocket 128C encased protective element 126B, lower section 125B, upper section 124B, first elastic section 127B, and a second elastic section 128B. As shown in FIGS. 2E, 2F, the protective element 126B may span over a large section of the wrist and forearm protector module 120B upper section 124B. In an embodiment the protective element 126B may be comprised a rigid, semi-rigid, or force absorbing material including plastics, alloys, and metals. In an embodiment the overall length of the UWPHG 100B may be about 5 to 9 inches and the wrist and forearm protector module 120B may be about 2 to 4 inches in length. In an embodiment the protective element 126B may have a width from about 1 to 3 inches and the pocket 128C may be slightly wider. As shown in FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F the hand grip module 140B may be embedded within the wrist and forearm protector module 120B or within the passage 122B at the lower section 125B (FIG. 2F).

While this invention has been described in terms of a best mode for achieving the objectives of the invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a wrist and forearm protector apparatus 100E may not include a hang grip module 140A, 140B. The apparatus 100E includes a wrist and forearm protector module 120C. The wrist and forearm protector module 120C includes a protective element pocket 128C on an upper section 124C, a passage 122C, and a belt 132C including a VELCO section 133C to mate with the module 120C, lower section 125C VELCO section 134C. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wrist and forearm protector module, including: an expandable substantially circular sleeve, the sleeve configured to be slid over a user's hand and securely rest on a user's wrist and at least partially on the user's forearm, the sleeve including: an upper section configured to rest on the user's upper wrist and at least partially on the user's upper forearm; a lower section configured to rest on the user's lower wrist and at least partially on the user's lower forearm; an elastic section between the upper section and the lower section, the elastic section enabling the sleeve to restorably expand over a user's hand and securely rest on a user's wrist and at least partially on the user's forearm; and a protective element embedded in the upper section, the protection element have a width and length to substantially cover the user's upper wrist and a portion of the user's upper forearm, the protective element more rigid than the upper section, the sleeve having length of at least 2 inches.
 2. The module according to claim 1, wherein the protective element is removably embedded in the sleeve upper section.
 3. The module according to claim 1, wherein upper section includes a surface pocket and the protective element is removably stored in the pocket.
 4. The module according to claim 1, wherein the protective element consists substantially of polymers.
 5. The module according to claim 1, wherein the protective element consists substantially of one or metals and metal alloys.
 6. The module according to claim 1, further comprising a hand grip module, the hand grip module coupled the sleeve lower section, the hand grip module having length to extend to the user's fingers and having a width of at least 1 inch, the hand grip module comprised substantially of a restorably deformable material.
 7. The module according to claim 6, the hand grip module further comprising at least one elastic finger coupling module configured for securely hold the hand grip module section to at least one finger.
 8. A wrist and forearm protector module, including: an expandable substantially circular sleeve, the sleeve configured to be slid over a user's hand and securely rest on a user's wrist and at least partially on the user's forearm, the sleeve including: an upper section configured to rest on the user's upper wrist and at least partially on the user's upper forearm; a lower section configured to rest on the user's lower wrist and at least partially on the user's lower forearm; and a protective element embedded in the upper section, the protection element have a width and length to substantially cover the user's upper wrist and a portion of the user's upper forearm, the protective element more rigid than the upper section, the sleeve having length of at least 2 inches and one of the upper section and lower section being elastically and restorably deformable.
 9. The module according to claim 8, wherein the protective element is removably embedded in the sleeve upper section.
 10. The module according to claim 8, wherein upper section includes a surface pocket and the protective element is removably stored in the pocket.
 11. The module according to claim 8, wherein the protective element consists substantially of one of polymers, metals, and metal alloys.
 12. The module according to claim 8, further comprising a hand grip module, the hand grip module coupled the sleeve lower section, the hand grip module having length to extend to the user's fingers and having a width of at least 1 inch, the hand grip module comprised substantially of a restorably deformable material.
 13. The module according to claim 12, the hand grip module further comprising at least one elastic finger coupling module configured for securely hold the hand grip module section to at least one finger.
 14. A wrist and forearm protector module, including: an expandable substantially circular sleeve, the sleeve configured to expand and securely rest on a user's wrist and at least partially on the user's forearm, the sleeve including: an upper section configured to rest on the user's upper wrist and at least partially on the user's upper forearm; a lower section configured to rest on the user's lower wrist and at least partially on the user's lower forearm; a buckle coupled to the sleeve; an extension coupled to the lower section, the extension configured to pass through the buckle and enable the sleeve to expand and reduce in effective diameter; a locking mechanism configured to releasably and securely lock the extension to the sleeve; and a protective element embedded in the upper section, the protection element have a width and length to substantially cover the user's upper wrist and a portion of the user's upper forearm, the protective element more rigid than the upper section, the sleeve having length of at least 2 inches.
 15. The module according to claim 14, wherein the protective element is removably embedded in the sleeve upper section.
 16. The module according to claim 14, wherein upper section includes a surface pocket and the protective element is removably stored in the pocket.
 17. The module according to claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism includes Velcro.
 18. The module according to claim 14, wherein the protective element consists substantially of one or metals and metal alloys.
 19. The module according to claim 14, further comprising a hand grip module, the hand grip module coupled the sleeve lower section, the hand grip module having length to extend to the user's fingers and having a width of at least 1 inch, the hand grip module comprised substantially of a restorably deformable material.
 20. The module according to claim 19, the hand grip module further comprising at least one elastic finger coupling module configured for securely hold the hand grip module section to at least one finger. 